Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

This heartfelt middle-grade novel introduces readers to ten-year-old Opal, a lonely girl in a new Florida town who finds an unexpected friend in a scruffy, smiling dog she names Winn-Dixie. Through a series of tender and sometimes humorous encounters, Opal uses her new canine companion to connect with a cast of quirky and isolated townspeople, slowly piecing together a community and uncovering stories about the mother who left her years ago. The narrative beautifully explores themes of friendship, forgiveness, and finding family in unexpected places, all anchored by the irresistible charm of a dog who brings people together.

DiCamillo's prose is deceptively simple, delivering profound emotional truths with a gentle touch that will resonate deeply with readers navigating their own feelings of loneliness or displacement. The story’s magic lies in its quiet authenticity, making the small town of Naomi feel both specific and universal. Young readers who have ever felt like an outsider, or anyone who has ever loved a pet, will find a kindred spirit in Opal and a lasting friend in Winn-Dixie.